Alternate Nostril Breathing & The Spoon Theory

About Alternate Nostril BreathingAlternate nostril breathing can quickly relax the nervous system. The technique involves slowing the breath, lengthening the exhalation, and pausing briefly after the exhalation. The theory as I understand it is that this type of breathing exercise tends to shift the balance from the sympathetic side of the nervous system towards the parasympathetic side. The sympathetic side is sometimes called the the fear and flight side of the autonomic nervous system and is the predominant side involved in CRPS. The parasympathetic side conserves energy as it slows the heart rate; it is the side of the autonomic nervous system sometimes called the rest and digest system. Although this breathing technique may not stop the pain it gives you something to focus on and calms you. I have read that it could also be beneficial to practice alternate nostril breathing on a regular basis for a few minutes every day even when you don't have a pain flare.

Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique with Counting
This is my preferred technique, the counting forces you to
concentrate better but there are other techniques you can investigate online. If you feel any discomfort or nasal blockage, do not try to force the
technique. The technique should be practiced only if you are comfortable and
breathing freely through both nasal passages. If you have blocked nostrils for
any reason, do not force yourself to do this type of breathing exercise. Also,
if you have any medical condition consult your medical professional before you
begin.

1. Seat yourself in a comfortable position.
2. Using the thumb of your right hand, put pressure on the outside of
your nose to close the right nostril. Inhale through the left nostril, counting
to four.
3. Release the pressure on the right nostril and, at the same time, use your
index finger (or ring finger and little finger) to close the left nostril.
Exhale through the right nostril, counting to six or eight.
4. Keeping your fingers in their current position, inhale through the right
nostril, counting to four.
5. Release the pressure on the left nostril and, at the same time, use your
thumb to close the right nostril. Exhale through the left nostril, counting to
six or eight.
6. Keeping your thumb in its current position, inhale through the left nostril,
counting to four, and thus beginning the cycle again.

At first, try to perform two to four cycles. Sit quietly for a few moments when
you have finished. As you become more experienced at the technique, you can
gradually increase the number of cycles you perform, 10 is a good number to aim
for.

The Spoon TheoryIf you imagine that every day you have x amount of tokens (spoons). Each spoon permits you to do a task. Do tasks too closely together and you use them up faster. Use all of your spoons up and you'll suffer for it and possibly cause a flare up. Use the spoons wisely and more days will be good days.'I'm running low on spoons' is a simple way of communicating to friends who understand the theory that you need to rest. Theoretically you are measuring your personal daily abilities much as one would measure the proper amount of spoons needed for an occasion such as a dinner party- sometimes you would have more than you need, other times you would be short.